Parklands a showcase in Budget for Chinchilla district

The Chinchilla Melon Festival is one of the iconic events the Western Downs is famous for.

Western Downs Regional Council has handed down a Budget featuring 26 projects to be delivered for the Chinchilla district, with the Chinchilla Botanic Parklands the highlight of the 2018/19 Budget.

Council has allocated a further $3 million for the development of the Parklands, $2.2 million for street drainage and reconstruction and $600,000 for a railway crossing upgrade.

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh said the Chinchilla district would benefit from excellent infrastructure and tourism attraction thanks to the Chinchilla Parklands project.

“Chinchilla is one of our key business hubs on the Western Downs and investing in value-for-money services ensures it keeps this status and helps attract people to live, work and invest in this fantastic area,” he said.

“This is a proactive and flourishing town and district for our residents and we take pride in delivering the services and amenities that our ratepayers deserve.

“The Chinchilla Botanic Parklands is a huge attraction not just for Chinchilla residents, but as a place people from all over will travel to and enjoy with their families.”

Continuing to support tourism and events in the Western Downs the 2018/19 Budget will provide $30,000 in sponsorship and $5,000 in-kind assistance to the Chinchilla Melon Festival.

Mayor McVeigh said Chinchilla is home to one of the most unique events on Queensland’s social calendar and Council is looking forward to supporting another record-breaking Chinchilla Melon Festival in 2019.

“We definitely know how to do events like no other here on the Western Downs and we can’t wait to see what the Committee have planned for the 2019 Chinchilla Melon Festival,” he said.

“These events are wonderful for our communities and each year we’re proud to lend a hand in helping the Committee and volunteers make the Festival bigger and better.

“Community events are our region’s bread and butter and this year Chinchilla will also be able to get their hands on $245,000 in community grants as well as $60,000 in-kind assistance so our not-for-profits can continue to deliver the events our residents love.”

Included in the drainage packages announced for Chinchilla are Price Street and Reid Street as well as reconstruction work for a railway crossing upgrade at Wambo Street across the Warrego Highway.

$700,000 has also been allocated to the reconstruction of Boonarga Inverai Road and a total of 56 kilometres of gravel roads in Chinchilla and district have been earmarked for resheeting.

“We are committed to maintaining the largest local road network in Queensland for the lifestyle and economic benefits of our residents,” Cr McVeigh said.